MAXScript is the built-in scripting language for gmax. It provides users with the ability to:
Script all aspects of the softwareÆs use, such as modeling, animation, materials, etc.
Control the software interactively through a command-line shell window.
Package scripts within custom utility panel rollouts or modeless windows, giving them a standard gmax user interface.
Build custom import/export tools using the built-in file I/O.
Write procedural controllers that can access the entire state of the scene. Build batch-processing tools.
Set up live interfaces to external system using OLE Automation.
The MAXScript language is specifically designed to complement the software. It is object-oriented, just like the software, and has several special features and constructs that mirror high-level concepts in the softwareÆs user interface. These include coordinate-system contexts, an animation mode with automatic keyframing, and access to scene objects using hierarchical path names that match the softwareÆs object hierarchy.
The syntax is simple enough for non-programmers to use, with minimal punctuation and formatting rules.
Visual MAXScript is a powerful addition to MAXScript, making the MAXScript feature easier to learn and use. With Visual MAXScript, you can quickly create UI elements and layouts for scripting.
For detailed information about Visual MAXScript, open the MAXScript Reference, available from Help menu > MAXScript Reference.
See also
Procedure
To access MAXScript, do one of the following:
On the menu bar, choose MAXScript. The MAXScript menu appears.
Choose Utilities panel > MAXScript.
From here, you can either write new scripts, run existing scripts, open the MAXScript Listener, or use the Macro Recorder.
To access the MAXScript Listener, you can also right-click in the Mini Listener and choose Open Listener Window from the right-click menu.
For detailed information about the MAXScript utility, open the MAXScript Reference, available from Help menu > MAXScript Reference.